The Giants played like they had something to prove, individually and collectively and prove it they did with a wire-to-wire win over the Mets. Even Manager Tony Vitello got into the accountability act with some decisive managing. Key Lines:
Rafael Devers DH- 2 for 5, HR(1), R, RBI. BA= .259. The solo home run came in add-on time but you can never score too many runs.
Luis Arraez 2B- 2 for 5, 3B, 2 R, RBI. BA= .321. I read a story on the internets that said Arraez lit up the clubhouse with some pointed comments after yesterday's game. Although the story sounded plausible it also read like it was written at least in part by AI. If there is truth in it, Arraez backed it up with another multi-hit game including a 2-out RBI triple in the first inning to get the Giants their first run. He then scored on Chapman's double.
Matt Chapman 3B- 2 for 5, 2B, R, RBI. BA= .222. Chapman was another guy with something to prove after he got some blowback for his criticism of Casey Schmitt's catching ability. He hit a 2-out double in the first to drive in Arraez and then scored on an error by the pitcher to give the Giants a 3-1 lead after the first inning.
Daniel Susac C- 3 for 3, BB. BA= 1.000. Susac gets his first MLB start and reaches base 4 times. Alas, he did not figure into the scoring.
Casey Schmitt 1B- 3 for 3, BB, RBI. BA= .273. And speaking of something to prove. Schmitty was the goat and whipping boy yesterday. Not only did he reach base 4 times but also looked much more confident on defense making some plays that weren't so easy.
Robbie Ray LHP- 5.1 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 3 BB, 7 K's. ERA= 3.38. Typical Robbie Ray start keeping his team in the game but with inconsistent command and a lot of pitches thrown. Vitello took him out at 97 pitches after he recorded the first out of the 6'th inning. And who should he bring in but Ryan Walker RHP who got lucky on a savvy ABS challenge by Daniel Susac on a 3-2 pitch and then got the last out on a flyout. Welp, that is certainly one way to announce your closer is no longer the closer.
Blade Tidwell RHP- 3 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 0.00. Another bold managing move that may signal a new strategy. Instead of using multiple relievers for an inning each when the Giants have a big lead, Vitello has now twice brought in a reliever and let them work the rest of the game, saving the high leverage relievers for a closer game. We'll monitor this situation going forward, but so far I like it.
The Win improves the Giants record to 3-4 and leaves them 1.5 games behind the Dodgers in the NL West, time with the D'Backs.
Tyler Mahle RHP gets the ball tomorrow facing Nolan McLean RHP.
Doc; Fun game to watch. A total team effort from top to bottom.
ReplyDeletePitching/hitting/defence > just an all around fine game from the Giants.
Agree with you Vitello nice call letting Tidwell pitch the last 3 innings.
Vitello haters > only game 7!!
Go Giants!!!
Richard in Winnipeg.
The guts to try a different -- even somewhat "old school" (I'm 75 yo) approach to reliever use is refreshing...especially as they may be transitioning some future starters to MLB
ReplyDeleteThey have a bunch of starter-types out there, both in the bullpen and in AAA. Smart to use them as starters....even it means starting them in the 6th inning. Basically one time through the line-up and, if they hold their mud, saves on the specialty guys. Makes sense. Hoping for continued success with the approach.
ReplyDeleteAnd Susac! Holy cow! Three hits by a catcher! Didn't try and leave the yard, just put a good swing on the ball and "hit it where they aint." The interview after that game showed a kid who appears to be pretty unflappable and even has the self awareness to say, "That's just how I am." If it continues, it's a genius pick-up by the PBO.